Am I in Labor Checklist & Quiz

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Am I in labor quiz? You might ask yourself that so many times — all the contractions, plus what are you looking for to know you’re in labor? This post includes an “Am I In labor checklist” as well as an “am I in laborquiz”

Am in labor is about half the visits we get to labor and delivery. This post shares a quiz, signs, symptoms, and what it all feels like. Let’s get started!

Am I in labor? Checklist

We’re going to go through all the things to look for — but here is a printable checklist to mentally (or physically) go through as you approach delivery day.

When I envisioned labor it was always the stuff that was in the movies. Boom, your water breaks and then about 3 seconds later the baby is flying out. {movie magic}, a baby has appeared!. Congrats! In reality, it’s hard to know exactly what’s a contraction and what’s just one of the usual aches and pains of pregnancy.

Your uterus is a giant muscle and it is attached to parts of you. It stretches and aches. That doesn’t mean the baby is coming. It just means that parts of pregnancy can be pretty miserable.

I have worked as a labor and delivery nurse for over 15 years. I hate to say that I’ve seen everything (because sometimes some things still come out of the blue) but I’ve seen a lot. I know the questions you have before you ask them. Let’s talk a little bit about the big day!

One of the BEST things you can do, to really understand labor & the steps involved is to take a prenatal class.

Check out this best-selling online prenatal course. Hundreds of women are loving feeling prepared for their delivery.

What week does labor usually start?

What triggers labor?

Basically, the baby and your uterus deciding it’s done. It’s a complex mechanism of hormones, and more than I want to get into here.

When should you go to the hospital?

I talk a LOT about that in my prenatal class, but I’d also ask your doctor what he/she thinks.

Does nesting mean labor is near?

I mean, if — by “near” you mean in the next few months. Then, yes. Nesting isn’t a sign of labor though.

How can I avoid pooping in labor?

I have a whole post about that — but natural labor makes it a lot easier (vs an induction)

Is tightening of the stomach a sign of labor?

Tightening of the UTERUS is a sign — because that is a contraction. I find it’s easier to tell that when you lay down.

However, your body will have Braxon Hicks contractions now and then as your uterus is irritable or just a random contraction now and then — and that does NOT mean you’re going into labor.

You should ask your doctor how many contractions/are OK if you’re before 36 weeks.

What week do first time moms go into labor?

The average is 40 weeks. It may be a BIT longer for first time moms, on average — but it mostly matters what YOUR body wants to do, and an average can’t tell you that. 🙂

Why does my pregnant bell feel tight or hard?

That’s a contraction, which we’ve talked about.

However, contractions will often happen as you stand up or lay down — just you uterus’s way of saying hello. 🙂

Is my amniotic sac broken?

One of the TRUE signs of labor is your water breaking. Of course, that can be tricky to know too! (seriously, can’t SOME of this be easy?)

I know all too well the feeling of wondering if you either wet your pants if it’s just a lot of discharge or the real deal. Is my water broken will give you what to watch for!

What is False Labor

The horrible news is that false labor feels JUST like true labor contractions. Also, false labor can TURN into true labor. I have this awesome full post about false labor pains. How you can tell the difference, or how you can tell if it’s headed for the real deal.

What are some Signs that Labor is Approaching

Labor has some tell-tale signs that tend to appear somewhat together. If you see a few of them all at once, you might start to think it IS the real deal. Signs you’re going into labor include diarrhea, loss of mucous plug and more SUPER fun things. You’ll be sure to want to click to that post right? Labor isn’t always pretty, but I bet you’ll find that post SUPER helpful!

Tell me about Losing Your Mucus Plug/Brownish Discharge

When will I go into labor?

I actually have a little When will I go into labor quiz — sort of a “more fun” way to find out the signs of labor and what to be watching for (it’s pretty similar to the one on this page)

More about Labor

What Do Early Labor Contractions Feel Like

Mostly, they feel like menstrual cramps — and then just progress into something more much painful — and that’s usually when you’re in true labor.

Not sure you know what contractions feel like. The Bloom Monitor can tell you exactly what a contraction is. Wondering more about it — you can see it here (you can even grab a discount!) — or I can give you all the details on why I think it’s a smart idea here:

My friend Katie has a great post on labor contractions 101 — and shares a lot about how different women feel contractions.

Pack Your Hospital Bags before going into labor

If you THINK you’re in labor — it’s a great time to pack your hospital bag. I have seen a lot of 3 piece luggage sets come into the labor room. I mostly feel bad that she’ll have to put all those useless items away once she gets home. A small bag should do it if you take my advice as to what to pack in my hospital bag. While we’re at it — I have a whole hospital checklist of ALL the things you should do before the baby comes!

How to Go into Labor

You might be reading this page wanting to know HOW to get that baby out! This post will show you how to go into labor. I should say that I am a HUGE fan of going to your full due date, and there a lot of perks to being overdue with your baby (I am well aware that one of the perks is NOT being comfortable — but it is worth it!) The less you do to prod that baby out, the better the outcome is likely to be!

Early Contractions

Of course, none of this should be happening til’ around 37 weeks — before then, you’re in preterm labor, and you need to call your doctor.

Are you afraid of delivery?

The one thing EVERY family brings into the labor room is a little (or a lot) of anxiety. Such a big day. So many pieces that need to fall into place. So many unknowns. I can tell you that your labor nurse is your life preserver. She wants to explain things and help you on this special journey. I have a whole post dedicated to JUST pregnancy fears. There’s a lot to take into your heart and hopefully, this puts your mind at ease a bit.

Hope can do a lot. But, I recommend taking a prenatal class. Options include your local hospital or a doula. BUT, most couples are finding online classes to be SO handy. I recommend this one this one. You can even save 10% with coupon code PC10.

Be SURE to sign up for my pregnancy newsletter that’s all about labor and the tips from behind the doors of the labor room. I’ll even follow you along with your pregnancy — whether you’re 4 weeks or 40, I’ve got the info you need!